What to expect from Andrew Luck in fantasy football Week 3

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has been on both ends of the fantasy football spectrum to begin his comeback campaign in 2018.

In Week 1, he graced fantasy football managers with a 19-point outing, which placed him as a QB1 (top-12) to open the season. Drafting him late was looking like a steal.

Then in Week 2, the 28-year-old quarterback put up a dud with 11.4 fantasy points against a Washington Redskins defense that kept him from racking up the yardage while forcing two interceptions. He wound up as the QB30 on the week.

This makes it difficult to project where he might finish against a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has been known to be stingy but that is also a unit coming out of Week 2 having been torched by Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The main concern with Luck’s matchup against the Eagles is the latter’s defensive line. Likely the deepest front line in all of football, the pass rush will provide a most daunting task for a Colts offensive line once again without left tackle Anthony Castonzo.

This can make it difficult for Luck to put up respectable fantasy points if he’s constantly under pressure.

Without running back Marlon Mack (foot/hamstring), tight end Jack Doyle (hip) and the aforementioned Castonzo protecting his blindside, Luck’s prospects for the game likely keep him out of the QB1 (top-12) range.

The other problem fantasy managers will run into is the recent depth-of-target Luck has been putting on the field.

In Frank Reich’s offense, the quick reads have kept Luck from holding the ball in the pocket like he’s used to. This works for actual football. It keeps Luck clean, and Reich is a smart play-caller that gets his receivers open in space.

However, it isn’t great for fantasy football. Luck’s average depth-of-target currently sits at just five yards downfield, per Pro Football Focus, which is concerning for fantasy football managers as they have been used to seeing No. 12 air it out.

With the Colts wanting success while keeping Luck clean in the pocket, they will likely continue their quick, high-percentage pass attempts with designed-open first reads to get the offense moving against a formidable defense.

Luck is still a starting quarterback in fantasy simply given his talent and the weapons he has around him while also being in a promising, up-tempo offense.

However, expectations should be tempered Sunday on the road against an Eagles defense that will be looking to prove their Week 2 performance was a fluke.

If there is a streamer or another quarterback on your roster that is in a safer matchup with a higher floor, Luck could find his way to the bench. If not, he’s still a startable piece but with tempered expectations.

Projected Week 3 finish: QB18

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